Your cruise vacation is a time meant for fun, relaxation, and time away from the troubles of the world found on land. When most people are on a cruise ship they can let their guard down and think some of the problems of the "real world" on land don't apply anymore. However, as guests and crew cross the gangway, various germs and pathogens can cross the gangway too. No matter what vacation destination a person chooses he or she will be exposed to germs and pathogens. Taking a cruise does not exempt anyone from this risk of exposure. Even though there is no way to completely protect yourself from getting sick, there are some precautions that one can take to protect themselves from sickness.

What You Can Do When Boarding The Cruise Ship 1. Filling Out Your Health Questionnaire (If Asked) Many cruise lines require passengers to fill out a health questionnaire during embarkation. It is important to fill out this form honestly to the best of your knowledge. If you are dishonest and lie that you were not sick or in contact with someone with a highly infectious disease you could be putting yourself and your fellow passengers in danger of getting ill. Questions on these questionnaires may vary. These questionnaires will help a cruise line determine if you are a high risk to the safety of other passengers and people in the foreign ports of call you will be visiting. Cruise lines may have you further screened by medical staff or denied boarding depending on the answers you provide. Some passengers lie to prevent a possibility of being denied boarding. Please don't lie. By being honest you could be protecting the lives and well being of up to thousands of other passengers.

What You Can Do Onboard During Your Cruise Vacation1. Wash Your Hands OftenThis may seem like common sense, but it can help. Wash your hands with warm water and soap prior to eating, drinking, after touching any surface, and after using the restroom. Some cruise lines provide hand sanitizer in dining areas. This is a good attempt on the cruise line's part to prevent the spread of germs, but hand sanitizer does not kill all germs. Washing hands is the best way to kill germs. 2. Feeling Sick? Visit or Call The Infirmary If you believe that you are sick (whether you are contagious or not) you should speak with the infirmary. The infirmary may be able to give you medication or treatment that will help you. By doing this you are also giving the ship's infirmary staff a record that you are not feeling well and they can determine whether or not you are a threat to the health of others on board. If you are contagious or don't have enough strength to walk to the infirmary you should call the infirmary from your stateroom phone. Tell them what is wrong and most likely they will send someone to your stateroom. This would allow you to keep from spreading germs in an elevator or in the cruise ship's public areas. For those that walk to the infirmary, try to avoid crowded elevators and areas. Crowded environments make it easier for germs to spread quickly. 3. Report Unsanitary Behavior By Other Passengers Just like on land, passengers can do gross things. There are some people who break health regulations by using the same cup twice at a drink machine. There are also some people that will use a cup and then put it back with the clean ones (witnessed this before). Consider telling a staff member discreetly that this happened. This could help stop the spread of germs from contaminated dishes. 4. Comply With Health Regulations Onboard In the event you are quarantined or the ship is placed on "code red" because of an illness outbreak you should comply with the measures that have been put in place. If quarantined, you should stay in your quarantined environment. It probably won't be a fun time, but you were placed on quarantine for some specific reason that was determined by the ship. If your ship has a major illness outbreak the staff members may have to abide by specific buffet regulations (such as serving food). Follow all directions from the staff on the cruise ship.

Keeping Yourself Healthy - Additional Tips:1. Stay Physically Active Try to work off some of your food or calories in the gym or on the jogging track. Depending on the weather, I like to walk on the jogging track in the evening after dinner and watch the sunset. I carry a camera and snap pictures as I go around in a circle. However, be careful onboard not to overwork yourself, pull a muscle, or get sick from trying to burn off your food/calories.

2. Don't Overeat At meal times don't eat an outrageous amount of food or drink. If you are over-stuffed you could get sick and vomit. Be careful not to eat more greasy foods or rich foods than you can handle. Overall, watch what you eat and how much you eat.

There is not a way to 100% protect yourself from getting sick. Always be careful and use common sense while you are on a cruise.

The year 2018 is here and for Galveston it looks like it will be another one filled with cruise ship departures! Here is an overview of what to expect from cruise lines that sail from Galveston in 2018:

Carnival Cruise Line Just like 2017, Carnival Cruise Line will continue having three year round ships departing Galveston. However, there will be a major change to Galveston's Carnival Cruise ship lineup in September 2018! The Carnival Freedom will primarily sail 7 night cruises that depart on Saturdays from Galveston. The itinerary for these seven night cruises will vary depending on the departure date. The Carnival Valor will primarily sail 4 & 5 night cruises that alternate between departing on Thursdays, Mondays, and Saturdays. Both of the Carnival Freedom and Carnival Valor sailed from Galveston in 2017 and will essentially continue doing the same cruises in 2018. The Carnival Freedom and Carnival Valor are both Conquest Class vessel and have many similarities (in terms of layout) because they are members of the same ship class. The Carnival Breeze will sail 7 night cruises from Galveston through mid-September 2018. After leaving Galveston, the Carnival Breeze will be replaced with the Carnival Vista. During the Carnival Vista's time sailing from Galveston, it will primarily sail seven night cruises that depart on Sundays. The cruise itinerary will vary depending on departure date. Although the Carnival Vista was launched into service in 2016, it is still considered one of Carnival's largest and newer ships.

Royal Caribbean Just like 2017, Royal Caribbean will continue having the Liberty of the Seas sailing from Galveston in 2018. The Liberty of the Seas will continue primarily sailing 7 night cruises from Galveston that depart on Sundays. In late 2017, Royal Caribbean deployed the Vision of the Seas to Galveston to sail 4 & 5 night cruises. The Vision of the Seas' 4 & 5 night cruises will continue through April 2018. These 4 & 5 night cruises will primarily depart on Mondays, Fridays, and Wednesdays. Previously, Royal Caribbean had cruises extending into summer 2018, but this is no longer the case due to some changes announced in November 2017 by Royal Caribbean.

Disney Cruise Line Disney Cruise Line will once again sail seasonally from Galveston in 2018. The year will start with the Disney Wonder sailing from Galveston, but in mid-January the ship will reposition. However, in November 2018 the Disney Wonder will return to sail more seasonal cruises from Galveston. It appears the majority of the Disney Wonder's cruises from Galveston are seven night cruises that sail to the Bahamas.

For more information about itineraries, sailing dates, and for the most up to date information please visit each respective cruise line's website. ​Please keep in mind information is subject to change!